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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    Can anti depressants cause long term side effects?

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    Depression Mental Health
    Hi I was diagnosed with reactive depression 2 years ago and was put on Zoloft 50mg and increased to 100mg I was told when first prescribed them that having this type of depression I will likely come of them but I am still on them and have had to increase the dose about 9 months ago to 150mg I would like to come of them as I am worried that they may cause long term side effecfts and maybe I am addicted to them can someone advise if ok to take long term or should I come of them, and what is the best way to come of this medication.
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    • Dr Simon Easterbrook-Smith
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    Dr Simon Easterbrook-Smith

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    My research interests include immunology and the mechanisms of amyloid formation. The latter has implications for people who are dealing with Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease … View Profile

    The clinical health professional members are better equipped than I am to comment on the details of your questions.

    My take (as a biomedical researcher and as somebody who is on an AD (not Zoloft)) is:

    ADs are not addictive in a pharmacological sense.

    Coming off an AD is best done by tapering off, with close monitoring by members of your mental health care team

    Going “cold turkey” is NOT a good idea.

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